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The Commonwealth

Highway Fatalities Increase in Kentucky

By KPA News Content Service

The rate of fatalities on Kentucky’s roadways has increased in 2012, according to preliminary numbers from the Kentucky State Police. There were 64 fatalities as of Feb. 9, five more than at the same time last year. “Although it is still early, we want to be proactive in addressing this increase in highway deaths on Kentucky roadways,” KSP spokesperson Lt. David Jude said in a press release.

Of the 64 people killed so far this year, 31 were not wearing seat belts and nine died in crashes involving alcohol.

“With the decent winter weather, more people have been traveling our roadways, which might explain the fatality increase,” Kentucky Office of Highway Safety Director Bill Bell said. “However, it does not explain why people are not making safe decisions when they get behind the wheel.”

Statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicate that seat belts, when worn correctly, reduce the risk of fatalities by 45 percent for front-seat vehicle occupants, and by 60 percent for pickup truck, SUV and minivan occupants. Also according to NHTSA, regular seat belt use is the single most effective way to protect against and reduce fatalities in motor vehicle crashes.

“KSP wants to remind motorists not to become complacent when it comes to highway safety. We plan to be vigilant in enforcing seat belt laws and will continue targeting impaired drivers who endanger the lives of others,” Jude said.

A final total will not be available until April 2, but preliminary numbers for 2011 indicate there were 720 fatalities on Kentucky roadways. Of those, 49 percent were not buckled up and 16 percent involved alcohol.